Figurine and play set item having an ultraviolet reveal feature

ABSTRACT

A figurine and play set having an ultraviolet reveal feature is described. The figurine is formed to depict a first state. A reveal pigment is applied to the figurine. The reveal pigment is transparent when in the first state. Importantly, the reveal pigment is applied to the figurine in a shape to depict a second state such that when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light, the reveal pigment fluoresces to depict the second state, and when the ultraviolet light is removed from the reveal pigment, the reveal pigment immediately ceases fluorescing and returns to the first state. A reveal pigment can also be applied to a coordinating play set item to reveal features that are otherwise invisible prior to exposure of ultraviolet light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to toys having exposable features and, more particularly, to a toy having features that are revealed when exposed to ultraviolet light.

(2) Description of Related Art

Toys with exposable features have long been known in the art. For example, toys have been devised to change colors when exposed to certain elements.

By way of example, some toy dolls have been devised that include skins or exterior surfaces that change color in response to water exposure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,188 (the '188 patent) discloses toy dolls and figurines having surface portions of reversibly changeable color. The '188 patent teaches a doll with an color changing layer positioned on its exterior that will reversibly change color after exposure to water. Such a feature provides a play pattern of allowing a child to simulate a diaper rash on a doll by “wetting” a diaper. Other play patterns can be envisioned, where, for example, the color changing layer is applied to a baby doll bottle. Thus, by filling the bottle with water, the bottle will change colors. After removing the doll and color changing layer from the water exposure, the color changing layers slowly reverts back to its original color.

Other toys have been devised that change color in response to light exposure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,416 (the '416 patent) discloses a photochromatic toy that changes color as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light. More specifically, the '416 patent describes toy soda bottles that have a photochromatic coating that, when exposed to the ultraviolet light, causes the bottles to change color and appear as if they are full of soda. Upon removing the toy soda bottles from the ultraviolet light exposure, the color in the photochromatic coating slowly reverts back to its original color.

As described above and as used in the prior art, the color changing elements (e.g., color changing layer and/or photochromatic coating) slowly change color in response to the applicable exposure element (e.g., water or ultraviolet light). Alternatively, after removal of the applicable exposure element, the color changing element slowly reverts to its original color. In both cases, the color change from the first to the second color, and reversal from the second color to the first color, is not instantaneous and, instead, is a gradual fade or change.

Thus, a continuing need exists for a toy having exposable features that are immediately revealed when exposed to ultraviolet light and that are immediately concealed upon removal of the ultraviolet light.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

While considering the failure of others to make use of all of the above components in this technology space, the inventors unexpectedly realized that a ultraviolet reactive pigment that does not have electrons that maintain an excited state upon exposure to ultraviolet light would allow for an immediate reveal and conceal of an exposable feature.

Thus, the present invention is directed to toy play set having a figurine and play set items. The figurine is formed to depict a first state and includes a reveal pigment applied thereto. The reveal pigment is transparent when in the first state. The reveal pigment is applied to the figurine in a shape to depict a second state such that when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light, the reveal pigment fluoresces to depict the second state. Alternatively, when the ultraviolet light is removed from the reveal pigment, the reveal pigment immediately ceases fluorescing and returns to the first state.

In another aspect, the figurine is formed to depict a first theme.

In another aspect, a first play set item is included that is coordinated with the first theme. The first play set item has a portion with a reveal pigment applied thereto. The reveal pigment is applied to the first play set item in a shape to depict a second state, such that when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light, the reveal pigment fluoresces to depict the second state.

Additionally, a second play set item is included that is also coordinated with the first theme. The second play set item houses an ultraviolet LED and includes a switch for selectively activating the ultraviolet LED. Thus, a user can point the second play set item at either the figurine or first play set item, activate the ultraviolet LED, and cause the reveal pigment to fluoresce and depict the second state.

In another aspect, in the first state, the figurine is formed to depict a living entity and wherein when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light to depict the second state, the second state depicts the figurine as a decomposing entity.

Further, the first theme is a pirate theme, such that the figurine is formed to depict a pirate, while the first play set item is formed to depict a pirate ship and the second play set item is foamed to depict a cannon.

In yet another aspect, when the reveal pigment on the first play set item is exposed to ultraviolet light to depict the second state, the second state depicts a state selected from a group consisting of a skull on a flag of the pirate ship, flames at a bow of the pirate ship, and barrels on a side of the pirate ship.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the invention described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a figurine according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an illustration of the figurine of FIG. 1A, depicting the figurine after having been exposed to ultraviolet light;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a play set item that is coordinated with a theme as presented by the figurine of FIG. 1A, depicting the play set item before exposure to ultraviolet light;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a portion of the play set item shown in FIG. 2A, depicting the portion of the play set item after exposure to ultraviolet light;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a play set item that is coordinated with a theme as presented by the figurine of FIG. 1A, depicting the play set item before exposure to ultraviolet light;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a portion of the play set item shown in FIG. 3A, depicting the portion of the play set item after exposure to ultraviolet light;

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a play set item that is coordinated with a theme as presented by the figurine of FIG. 1A, depicting the play set item before exposure to ultraviolet light; and

FIG. 4B is an illustration of a portion of the play set item shown in FIG. 4A, depicting the portion of the play set item after exposure to ultraviolet light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to toys having exposable features and, more particularly, to a toy having features that are revealed when exposed to ultraviolet light. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

(1) Description

The present invention relates to a figurine and corresponding play set item that each have one or more ultraviolet (UV) reveal features. As shown in FIG. 1A, the present invention includes a figurine 100. The figurine 100 is any suitable figurine-like item that is suitable as a play toy for children. As non-limiting examples, the figurine 100 can be a molded toy that is formed in the likeness of a movie character, cartoon character, animal, etc.

As noted above, the present invention includes a reveal feature. In doing so, the present invention includes a reveal pigment that is transparent and largely invisible in a first state, but that becomes visible when exposed to UV light. The reveal pigment is any suitable ink or pigment that can be applied to an item and that, when exposed to UV light, fluoresces to become visible. After removing the UV light, the reveal pigment immediately ceases fluorescing and becomes largely invisible. In other words, the reveal pigment does not remain visible for a period of time after removing the UV light; instead, the reveal pigment immediately ceases fluorescing. Non-limiting examples of a suitable reveal pigment is the invisible fluorescent ink as made by New Prismatic Enterprises Co., LTD.

In providing the reveal feature, the reveal pigment is applied or otherwise affixed to the figurine 100. As a non-limiting example, the reveal pigment is applied to the figurine 100 and other items described herein by using a mask and spraying the reveal pigment onto the item.

Because the reveal pigment is transparent and largely invisible, the figurine 100 can be formed to depict a first state without any effect in its appearance from the reveal pigment. This is depicted in FIG. 1A, where the figurine 100 is in a first state. In this non-limiting example, the first state is a living entity. Alternatively and as depicted in FIG. 1B, when the reveal pigment 101 is exposed to UV light 102, it fluoresces to become visible and depict a second state. The reveal pigment 101 is applied to the figurine 100 in a particular shape such that when it fluoresces, it depicts the figurine 100 in the second state. As a non-limiting example and as depicted in FIG. 1B, the second state is a decomposing entity (person). As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the reveal pigment 101 can be formed on the figurine 100 or other item in any number of shapes to reveal any number of alternative states.

As a play set, the present invention includes a figurine 100 and a variety of play set items. The figurine 100 and play set items can be formed in a coordinating theme. As a non-limiting example, the figurine 100 can be formed as a pirate, with the play set items being formed as pirate-type items, such as a pirate ship, a cannon, rum barrel, etc. Other non-limiting examples include the figurine 100 being formed as a space alien, with the play set items being formed as a space ship and ray gun.

The play set items and reveal effects are further illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 4B. As shown in FIG. 2A, a first play set item 200 can be formed as a pirate ship. Additionally and as shown in FIG. 2B, a second play set item 201 is also included. The second play set item 201 is formed to coordinate with the theme of the figurine 100 and first play set item 200. As a non-limiting example, the second play set item 201 is formed to represent a cannon. Importantly, the second play set item 201 houses a UV light (e.g., UV LED) 202 and a switch 203 for selectively activating the UV light 202. Note that a battery or other suitable power source is also housed in the second play set item 201.

Also as shown in FIG. 2B, a portion (e.g., flag) of the first play set item 200 includes a reveal pigment 101 applied thereto. The reveal pigment 101 is applied to the first play set item 200 in a shape to depict another state (e.g., second state, etc.) when the reveal pigment 101 is exposed to UV light 102. In this non-limiting example, when exposed to the UV light 102, the reveal pigment 101 fluoresces to depict/reveal a skull on the flag 204 of the pirate ship. Once the UV light 102 is removed from the flag 204, the skull immediately disappears and becomes transparent.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict yet another non-limiting example. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first play set item 200 includes a side 300 of the pirate ship. Applied to the side 300 is the reveal pigment which is transparent when in the first state (as depicted in FIG. 3A). When the second play set item 201 is used to emit UV light 102 onto the revel pigment 101, the reveal pigment 101 fluoresces to depict another state. In this non-limiting example, the reveal pigment 101 fluoresces to reveal/depict barrels.

Finally, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict yet another non-limiting example. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first play set item 200 includes a bow 400 of the pirate ship. Applied to the bow 400 is the reveal pigment which is transparent when in the first state (as depicted in FIG. 4A). When the second play set item 201 is used to emit UV light 102 onto the revel pigment 101, the reveal pigment 101 fluoresces to depict another state. In this non-limiting example, the reveal pigment 101 fluoresces to reveal/depict flames on the bow 400 of the pirate ship. As was the case above, when the UV light 102 is removed from the reveal pigment 101, the item immediately reverts back to the first state, in that reveal pigment 101 ceases fluorescing and is transparent and does not reveal or depict any item.

It should be noted that although the present invention is described as being a human-like figurine with a pirate ship, it is not intended to be limited thereto as the reveal feature can be applied to any suitable item, non-limiting examples of which include figurines, ships, toys, dolls, toy animals, play sets, etc. Also, the items can be formed out of any suitable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, fabric, etc. Finally, it should be noted that although the reveal pigment is described as being applied by a spray, it can be applied using any suitable technique, a non-limiting example of which includes being silkscreened. 

1. A toy play set, comprising: a figurine, the figurine being formed to depict a first state; a reveal pigment applied to the figurine, the reveal pigment being transparent when in the first state; and wherein the reveal pigment is applied to the figurine in a shape to depict a second state such that when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light, the reveal pigment fluoresces to depict the second state, and when the ultraviolet light is removed from the reveal pigment, the reveal pigment immediately ceases fluorescing and returns to the first state.
 2. The toy play set as set forth in claim 1, wherein the figurine is formed to depict a first theme.
 3. The toy play set as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a first play set item that is coordinated with the first theme, the first play set item having a portion with a reveal pigment applied thereto, the reveal pigment applied to the first play set item in a shape to depict a second state, such that when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light, the reveal pigment fluoresces to depict the second state.
 4. The toy play set as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a second play set item that is coordinated with the first theme, the second play set item having an ultraviolet LED housed therein, and a switch for selectively activating the ultraviolet LED, whereby a user can point the second play set item at either the figurine or first play set item, activate the ultraviolet LED, and cause the reveal pigment to fluoresce and depict the second state.
 5. The toy play set as set forth in claim 4, wherein in the first state, the figurine is formed to depict a living entity and wherein when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light to depict the second state, the second state depicts the figurine as a decomposing entity.
 6. The toy play set as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first theme is a pirate theme, such that the figurine is formed to depict a pirate.
 7. The toy play set as set forth in claim 6, wherein the first theme is a pirate theme, such that the first play set item is formed to depict a pirate ship.
 8. The toy play set as set forth in claim 7, wherein when the reveal pigment on the first play set item is exposed to ultraviolet light to depict the second state, the second state depicts a state selected from a group consisting of a skull on a flag of the pirate ship, flames at a bow of the pirate ship, and barrels on a side of the pirate ship.
 9. The toy play set as set forth in claim 8, wherein the first theme is a pirate theme, such that the second play set item is formed to depict a cannon. 